About the song
“White Rabbit” is a quintessential track by the legendary American rock band Jefferson Airplane. Released in 1967, this song became one of the defining anthems of the psychedelic rock era. Written by the band’s lead singer, Grace Slick, “White Rabbit” is featured on their groundbreaking album “Surrealistic Pillow.”
“White Rabbit” is renowned for its distinctive fusion of rock and classical music influences, drawing inspiration from the works of Maurice Ravel and Lewis Carroll’s classic tales “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” The song’s lyrics vividly depict the surreal and dreamlike experiences of Alice, using them as metaphors for the burgeoning counterculture movement and its explorations of altered states of consciousness.
Upon its release, “White Rabbit” captured the imagination of a generation. It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming one of Jefferson Airplane’s most successful and enduring hits. The song’s haunting melody, driven by a steady, hypnotic rhythm and Slick’s powerful, commanding vocals, creates an atmosphere that is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking.
The success of “White Rabbit” helped to cement Jefferson Airplane’s place as one of the most influential bands of the 1960s. The album “Surrealistic Pillow,” which also includes the hit single “Somebody to Love,” was a commercial and critical triumph. It played a pivotal role in defining the sound of the San Francisco music scene and the broader psychedelic rock movement.
For many older listeners, “White Rabbit” evokes memories of a transformative period in music and culture. Its evocative lyrics and innovative sound continue to resonate, making it a timeless piece that transcends generations. The song’s legacy is a testament to Jefferson Airplane’s artistic vision and their ability to capture the spirit of an era marked by profound social and cultural change.
“White Rabbit” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its boldness and creativity. It stands as a powerful reminder of the revolutionary power of music and its ability to inspire and challenge the status quo. For both long-time fans and new listeners, “White Rabbit” offers a glimpse into a unique and influential moment in musical history, ensuring its place as a cherished piece of rock heritage.
Video
Lyrics
One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don’t do anything at all
Go ask Alice
When she’s ten feet tall
And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you’re going to fall
Tell ’em a hookah-smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call
Call Alice
When she was just small
When the men on the chessboard
Get up and tell you where to go
And you’ve just had some kind of mushroom
And your mind is moving low
Go ask Alice
I think she’ll know
When logic and proportion
Have fallen sloppy dead
And the White Knight is talking backwards
And the Red Queen’s off with her head
Remember what the dormouse said
Feed your head
Feed your head